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Medical Billing and Coding Jobs Are Recession-Proof

Shawn | Sep 20, 2010 |

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There is always a need in the health services industry for certified specialists to fill available medical billing and coding jobs. This industry is virtually recession-proof and grows at a steady rate. Many opportunities for employment exist in every town, from office positions to outsourcing at-home.

All healthcare practioners do medical billing. Standardized coding is required for the information on medical bills so that the requirements of insurance companies and federal laws are met. Training for medical billing and coding jobs requires post secondary school study in an accredited program. These programs may encompass classroom studies and on-line coursework. Satisfactory completion of the proper coursework leads to certification from the field's licensing board. The only prerequisite for entering a program is a high school diploma or a GED equivalent.

When selecting a training program, confirm that it teaches the specific coding system you wish to learn. There are three coding systems. The International Classification of Diseases (ICD) is used to denote ailments, injuries and diseases. The Healthcare Common Procedure Coding Systems (HCPCS) denotes physicians' services, medical care and lab tests. The Current Procedural Terminology (CPT) is used to classify medical services and procedures. You have to be trained in ICD coding to obtain a position. You will increase your employment opportunities if you are also trained in CPT and HCPCS coding. Full-time students may expect to complete the program within four or five months, and part-time usually takes from six to 12 months.

Medical billing courses should include a study of the human body, covering anatomy and physiology. Office administration should also be covered, including filing and organization. Studies in International Classification of Diseases and all applicable health insurance laws are also needed. Finally, the proper processing of insurance claim forms finishes the approximately 300 hours of class work needed. The ICD-10 is coming in the future and it is wise to try to prepare for that.

Within the healthcare field are different billing andor coding positions. Medical coders review and examine patients' records, intake forms, surgical reports and all other relevant medical documents. The coder locates any specific data needed, then translates or assigns a numeric code to it. These codes must be accurate in order to decide the reimbursement amounts health care providers receive for the procedures and services. Data is also reported and used to generate statistics on healthcare practices, assisting federal agencies in identifying public health-related issues and trends.

Medical record technicians manage medical records in a healthcare provider's office, insuring that all insurance requirements, privacy policies and medical orders are met. An associate degree is necessary for this position and generally takes from nine months years to achieve.

Next is the Specialist who processes patients' expenses into databases, reviews records for accuracy and customizes record-keeping systems of the office. Then there are healthcare providers who outsource their billing. This provides opportunities to work from home, generally given on a contract basis instead as salaried staff. Finally, starting an independent private company is the most challenging opportunity of all.

The healthcare industry experiences turnover and steady growth. Finding a position after certification will not be difficult.